| LETTERS

Thank God for the article “What Have We Done?” by Thurman C. Petty, Jr. (December 2009). Through it God changed my day, my week, and for sure my whole life.

 

I’m greatly blessed by the editorial “An Audience of One,” by Bill Knott (November 2009). It has alerted me to those fleeting bits of human drama where we are overwhelmed by a sense of elation to the extent of developing pride, which has eternal results. Wishing for an audience of specific people or a multitude, feeling that we are worthy to be noticed, is useless. It reminds me to weigh every action, thought, or word, however little they may appear.

 

I read the wonderful news that Patrick L. Allen governs Jamaica (“New Man at Jamaica’s Helm,” July 2009). His life will make a difference for this position. I will be praying that he may continue to be a light in the darkness of this world as we look toward the end, when we will see the One for whom our souls long—Jesus, our blessed Savior. Alleluia!

 

The July 2009 issue (“Honoring the Creator God,” by Angel Manuel Rodríguez) and the August 2009 issue (“Creation Wonders,” by John T. Baldwin, Leonard R. Brand, Arthur Chadwick, and Randall W. Younker) refer to a division that tends to arise between the children of God, brothers in Christ, on one topic: Creation. I am praying that we all look to Jesus, the source of light. I have also advised supporters of different schools to read and ponder the words of Paul in Romans 12:2, 3.

 

Thanks for Adventist World mag
azine. I read the article written by Pastor Jan 
Paulsen entitled

“Five Things I Have Learned” (May 2009). In the article he wrote: “Continually focusing inward can also be discouraging. If we’re honest, we’ll see many flaws in our church.” I really support the statement, but we can decide to make some situations to help the young ones and the leaders of tomorrow as the Lord has directed us.

I am suggesting that the young adults should be more involved in our programs rather than being pushed aside or looked on as immature. The youth in our churches should be allowed always to take up Sabbath school programs. Likewise, the divine service should be supervised by our pastors and elders while they involve young adults in the sacred services.

There are lots of things for us to do outside the sanctuary. We cannot reharvest already-harvested crops; neither can we follow Jesus without a mission. Our mission should not always revolve around programs organized for ourselves. May our vision grow to see Christ return.

 

I felt the column “Raised Hands in Worship,” by Angel Manuel Rodríguez (February 2009), was unfair. When the Holy Spirit touches our hearts through music it is almost impossible for some of us not to respond in a thoughtful yet physical way by raising our hands to God as an affirmation of our love for Him. Music touches our souls.

Some music has the power to bring us to tears. Those tears are simply a physical response from our hearts toward our wonderful Creator. The same is true with our arms raised in praise. Please don’t find fault with such a simple yet meaningful way to express our love for our heavenly Father.

 

I liked the story “A Daniel in Moscow,” by Andrew McChesney (July 2008). I will use it in my “Life and Teachings of Jesus” class at Dominican Adventist University. It will be a blessing for the students. God bless you.


Santo Domingo, 
Dominican Republic
 

 

I was walking in our city with one of my Congolese brothers and found your magazine Adventist World. It prompted me to write. I ask for brochures, a Bible, and a book of biblical history.

Kasaji, Congo
 

 

Greetings from Ghana and all Seventh-day Adventist Church members: I affirm you for the good work you are doing in proclaiming the true gospel of Jesus Christ through Adventist World.

 

I am secretary of health ministries for the church district of Makindye in Kampala, Uganda. We dearly love to read and enjoy inspiring articles of Adventist World, especially the missionary stories, in which we see the power of God changing people’s lives. These encourage us to continue to preach, nurture, and equip our friends.

 

Life as a youth is so tempting. Your prayers strengthen my faith in God. Adventist World magazine really encourages our lives.

Letters Policy: Please send your letters to the editor to: letters@adventistworld.org. Letters must be clearly written and to the point, 250-word maximum. Be sure to include the name of the article, the date of publication, and page number with your letter. Also include your name, the town/city, state, and country from which you are writing. Letters will be edited for space and clarity. Not all letters submitted will be published.